The penultimate race of the season was contested over a shortened one-mile course run backwards, presenting new challenges, particularly rocky descents dotted with tyre puncturing prickly pears.

As usual the race got off to an explosive start, with Geoff Wing taking full advantage of an early lead. However, this would not last as he succumbed to an early puncture on the second lap to leave him with the daunting challenge of recovering seven minutes.

Matcham pounced, surging ahead of a weary Steinhoff to establish a solid two-minute lead that would not be threatened.

The battle for second and third was not so clear-cut -- Steinhoff and Taylor duelled for most of the race, while triathlete Neil de Ste Croix threatened to place early on. However, Stienhoff and Taylor prevailed.

Matcham prevailed, winning his 10-mile race in 1:12.16. Brian Steinhoff finished second in 1:14.18. Nick Taylor earned his first placing of the season, taking third place in 1:14.39.

Trovaughn Smith continues to leave his mark on the 15-16 boys category that he has made his own.

Over eight miles he destroyed his competition by a full 13 minutes to win in 58:14, despite a flat tyre.

During most of his race he duelled with the senior riders and, as a result, may even opt to move to the senior ranks early.

Kyle Smith was second in 1:11.4, and Adam Petty was third in 1:13.16.

If the 15-16 category belongs to Trovaughn Smith, the 13-14 category has been under the soul ownership of Tyler Scott.

Scott dominated his race to win in 1:08.37 over seven miles. Geoffrey Smith was second in 1:19.45. Tim Fox took line honours in the 11-12 category in 34:58 over four miles. Aaron Fenn and Alex McManus rounded out the top three.

Marc Smith won the under-10 boys' race in 24:27 over two miles.

SAILING SLG Fourteen entrants braved the inclement weather on Hamilton Harbour at the weekend for the latest round of the Laser Frostbite series.

Winds started in the south-west and during the first race the passage of a cold front veered rapidly to the north.

This created the most shifty conditions experienced in the Harbour.

During the opener, which Ted Wood won, the wind veered 45 degrees, giving those who started at the committee boat end of the start line the advantage.

The wind settled into a northerly direction after this, requiring several course changes.

Christian Luthi completed the day with five wins beating off Brett Wright on a tie-break after Wright won just a single race. Craig Davis won two races and Todd Olson won one.

Olson finished third overall, Sara Lane Wright fourth and Davis fifth. Wood finished sixth.

MARTIAL ARTS MAT A record number of 88 competitors entered Sensei Roots' sixth annual Shiai which took place at Pembroke Sunday School on the weekend. Outstanding among the junior forms competitors were Tauren Philpott who placed second in empty-hand (intermediate 10-15 year-olds) and first in weapons and Aaron Franks, who had the opposite results.

Two excellent performers in the adult weapons category were male winner Michael Burrows who also placed second in black belt sparring (3/1 behind Zachary Nesbitt), and Talia Iris in the women's gold position. Iris took an uncontested first in both form and fighting in the girl's 16-17 age group.